Locking adjustment assembly and method for an optical aiming device

ABSTRACT

The application is directed to a locking adjustment assembly for an optical aiming device. The locking adjustment assembly is usable across different optical platforms regardless of the focal length of a particular optical platform. The locking adjustment assembly is operationally configured to be reset to a zero position. The locking adjustment assembly may also provide an automatic lock at a zero position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/746,761, filed on Jan. 17, 2020, which isentitled to the benefit of the filing date of the prior-filed U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/794,451, filed on Jan. 18,2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The application relates generally to a rotatable adjustment assembly andmechanisms for changing a setting of an optical aiming device such as ariflescope, telescope or other optical device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

An optical aiming device such as a riflescope is often equipped with oneor more rotatable adjustment knobs (also referred to as “turret knobs,”“turrets” or “adjustment turrets”) that are used to adjust settings suchas elevation (e.g., an elevation turret) and windage (e.g., a windageturret) affecting the respective vertical and horizontal aim of a rifle.As an example, due to gravitational forces the angular position of ariflescope with respect to a rifle barrel must be adjusted to compensatefor changes in bullet drop to accurately hit a target at varyingdistances. As such, shooters often establish a baseline or “zeroposition” for a rifle by adjusting the elevation turret so that thepoint of impact of bullets fired from the rifle hit a target at a knowndistance according to a reticle of a riflescope thereby establishing azero angular position of a riflescope and a baseline setting or “zeroposition” of its elevation turret. A common distance for establishing azero position for a rifle and elevation turret is a short distance suchas fifty yards or one hundred yards from a rifle (herein referred to asa “zero distance”). When firing bullets at targets further away than thezero distance, the elevation turret may be adjusted to compensate for anincrease in bullet drop. Afterward, the elevation turret may be resetback to the zero position (or “zero point” or “zero location”) asdesired.

Some commercially available turrets allow for a riflescope to be resetto a zero position by providing a stop type mechanism for stoppingrotation of a turret at its zero position. However, such turretstypically include structural features involving complicated proceduresor mechanisms. For example, common turret locking mechanisms employelongated pin type members susceptible to failure over time. Common stoptype mechanisms may also prevent inadvertent adjustment of a turretrotationally beyond its zero point. However, such stop type mechanismscan be overcome whereby, due to the threaded nature of common turrets,over rotation of a turret may result in overtightening of the turret orbinding of its internal threads.

Overcoming the above shortcomings is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application is directed to a turret assembly for an opticalaiming device including (1) an adjustable assembly including a capassembly; and (2) a locking lever assembly including a pivotal lockinglever operationally configured to engage the cap assembly providing alocked position of the turret assembly; wherein the cap assembly isoperationally configured to direct the pivotal locking lever to adisengaged position providing an unlocked position of the turretassembly.

The present application is also directed to a turret assembly for anoptical aiming device including (1) an adjustable assembly including acap assembly with a radially disposed slot including opposing sidewalls;and (2) a locking lever assembly including a pivotal locking leveroperationally configured to engage the opposing sidewalls of the slotproviding a locked position of the turret assembly; wherein the capassembly includes a push button operationally configured to direct thepivotal locking lever to a disengaged position providing an unlockedposition of the turret assembly.

The present application is also directed to a turret assembly for anoptical aiming device including (1) an adjustable assembly including acap assembly; and (2) a locking system including a biased pivotallocking lever operationally configured to engage the cap assemblyproviding a locked position of the turret assembly; wherein the lockingsystem includes a push button operationally configured to direct thebiased pivotal locking lever apart from the cap assembly providing anunlocked position of the turret assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lockingadjustment assembly of the present application secured to a riflescopewith the locking adjustment assembly set at its lowest position.

FIG. 2 is another side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG.1 absent a turret cap.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional detailed view of a locking system ofthe locking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a locking leverin an engaged position with a turret cap assembly of the lockingadjustment assembly.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustment assemblyof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner surface of a turret capassembly of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a sectional detailed view of part of the turret cap assemblyof FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG.1 absent a turret cap.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional detailed view of the locking system of FIG. 4illustrating the locking lever disengaged from the turret cap assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a main shaft and a key memberof the locking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first jacking screw of the lockingadjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the main shaft and key member of FIG.10 in a mated position.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a second jacking screw of thelocking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a click ring of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional detailed view of a click ring and click pinof the locking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another embodiment of theclick ring and click pin of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 1 set at its highest position.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 1 at its middle position.

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 18 absent a turret cap.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG.19 .

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG.19 .

FIG. 22 is a perspective sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the locking adjustment assembly of FIG.1 illustrating a zero position of the locking adjustment assembly.

FIG. 24 is a perspective partial view of the locking adjustment assemblyof FIG. 1 including a secondary stop of a turret cap assembly.

FIG. 25 is a top partial phantom view of the locking adjustment assemblyof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 26 is another side cross-sectional view of the locking adjustmentassembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of alocking adjustment assembly of the present application.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THE DISCLOSURE

The term “at least one”, “one or more”, and “one or a plurality” meanone thing or more than one thing with no limit on the exact number;these three terms may be used interchangeably within this application.For example, at least one device means one or more devices or one deviceand a plurality of devices.

The term “about” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±20%of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% ofthe stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of thestated value.

The term “substantially” or “essentially” means that a value of a givenquantity is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, thevalue is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, thevalue is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the valueis within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value iswithin ±1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value iswithin ±0.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value iswithin ±0.1% of the stated value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thedisclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in thedrawings and particular language will be used to describe the same. Itis understood that no limitation of the scope of the claimed subjectmatter is intended by way of the disclosure. As understood by oneskilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, variouschanges and modifications of the principles as described and illustratedare herein contemplated.

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood thatthe terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thisspecification and the appended claims, the term “optical platform”refers to a firearm sighting device comprising one or more lenselements. The terms “turret assembly,” “turret knob assembly” and“locking turret assembly” may be used interchangeably. Herein, a“projectile launching device” may include, but is not necessarilylimited to a firearm and a crossbow. Herein, a “firearm” may include,but is not necessarily limited to a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, ashoulder fired bazooka, a shoulder fired rocket launcher, an air rifle,and a paintball gun.

In one embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly for an optical platform mounted to a projectile launchingdevice having a low profile design. In another embodiment, theapplication provides a locking adjustment assembly for a firearm havinga low profile design. In one embodiment, the locking adjustment assemblymay be compact and/or lightweight and/or dimensionally scalable.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly with a novel zero stop design, the zero stop design may includea solid stop at a defined zero position.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly with a tactile automatic lock at a zero setting. The lockingadjustment assembly is mechanically lockable and can be manuallyunlocked by an individual when a change in setting of the lockingadjustment assembly is desired.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly with a novel locking mechanism including a lever assembly witha contact surface as opposed to elongated pins known in the art that aresusceptible to failure. In certain embodiments, the contact surfaceincludes flat or planar areas, while in other embodiments, the contactsurface is flat or planar or substantially flat or planar.

In another embodiment, the application provides a mechanism forre-zeroing a locking adjustment assembly without the use of shims,winding or other complicated steps or procedures.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly including allowable clicks past a zero position of the lockingadjustment assembly.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly with allowable clicks past a zero position including a built instop mechanism.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly with dual jacking screws configured in a manner whereby thelocking adjustment assembly may be used with multiple different opticalplatforms.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly including a plurality of moveable members rotatable about acommon axis and a plurality of fixed members, wherein rotation of themoveable members changes the linear position of the moveable members,wherein the locking adjustment assembly may be adjusted to provide adesired starting position of the locking adjustment assembly, andwherein the locking adjustment assembly includes a locking membersecured to a fixed member operationally configured to automatically stopthe moveable members at the desired starting position.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly including (1) an adjustable assembly defining an axis of thelocking adjustment assembly providing linear movement of the lockingadjustment assembly along the axis; and (2) a lever type lockingassembly operationally configured to engage a cap assembly of theadjustable assembly providing a locked position of the lockingadjustment assembly, the cap assembly being operationally configured todirect the lever type locking assembly to a disengaged positionproviding an unlocked position of the locking adjustment assembly;wherein the locked position of the lever type locking assembly defines azero stop position of the locking adjustment assembly.

In another embodiment, the application provides a locking adjustmentassembly having a novel pivotal locking member for engaging a turret capof the locking adjustment assembly. The present application is alsodirected to a locking adjustment assembly with threaded membersproviding linear movement of the locking adjustment assembly, thethreaded members having a design providing for use of the lockingadjustment assembly across multiple optical platforms. The presentapplication is also directed to a method of adjusting the elevationalsettings of a riflescope using the locking adjustment assembly describedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present lockingadjustment assembly 10 (hereafter “turret assembly 10”) for use with anoptical aiming device, including but not necessarily limited to ariflescope 500 is provided. The turret assembly 10 includes what may bereferred to herein as an “adjustable assembly” of moveable membersincluding at least an outer cap member 20 (or “turret cap 20”) andthreaded members including a first adjustment member 30 (“first jackingscrew 30” or “primary jacking screw 30”) and a second adjustment member35 (“second jacking screw 35” or “secondary jacking screw 35”), each ofwhich rotates about rotational axis 5 of the turret assembly 10 and maybe directed along rotational axis 5 in either direction. The firstjacking screw 30 has an outer threaded surface 31 and a planar first end12 for contacting a contact surface 502 of an adjustable member of anoptical aiming device (see FIG. 26 ).

The turret assembly 10 further includes a base assembly or main seatassembly threadedly matable to an annular main tube member 40 (or “mainbody 40”) of an optical aiming device, including but not necessarilylimited to a riflescope 500. The main seat assembly includes an annularmain seat member 45 and an annular retaining ring 47, the retaining ring47 having (1) an inner threaded surface 48 in threaded communicationwith the outer threaded surface 31 of the first jacking screw 30 and (2)an outer threaded surface 49 in threaded communication with the threadedsurface 41 of the main body 40. As shown in FIG. 2 , the main seatmember 45 includes an inner threaded surface 46 for threadedcommunication with an outer threaded surface 38 of a retaining ring 39of an annular sleeve member or “second jacking screw sleeve 37.” Asshown, the second jacking screw sleeve 37 includes a cylindrical portion42 having an inner threaded surface 43 in threaded communication with anouter threaded surface 44 of the secondary jacking screw 35.

Surrounding the cylindrical portion 42 of the second jacking screwsleeve 37 is a locking lever carrier member 60, an annular seat member65, and a retaining ring 67 in abutment with part of the annular seatmember 65. The annular seat member 65 includes at least one radialthreaded borehole 66 for receiving a threaded set screw 69 therein in amanner effective to secure the locking lever carrier member 60 in afixed position during operation of the turret assembly 10.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the locking lever carrier member 60 (or“carrier member 60”) includes an outward protruding ledge section 68divided into two equal parts defining a gap or slot 61 between opposingsidewalls 62, the slot 61 providing spacing for a locking lever member70 (or “locking lever 70” or “locking cam 70”) of the turret assembly10, which is pivotally attached to one or both sidewalls 62 of the ledgesection 68—see pivot member 63 defining a pivot point of the levermember 70 in FIG. 4 . As shown, the locking lever 70 is radiallydisposed between the sidewalls 62 and includes an elongated portionincluding a neck section 79 and a head section 74 having a matingsurface or face 71 for contacting a biased pin member 72 (or “lockinglever plunger 72”) housed within a cavity of the carrier member 60 inaddition to a biasing member 73, e.g., a coiled spring. Suitably, thebiasing member 73 is operationally configured to bias the locking leverplunger 72 linearly toward the locking lever 70 in a manner effective todirect the face 71 of the locking lever 70 toward a closed cover 21portion of the turret cap 20 (see Directional Arrow A in FIG. 4 ). Inone embodiment, the carrier member 60, the ledge section 68, the lockinglever 70, the pin member 72 and the biasing member 73 may be referred tocollectively as a “locking lever assembly.”

The carrier member 60 includes an alignment slot 64 (see FIG. 3 )running parallel to rotational axis 5 for receiving a distal end of akey pin 76 therein. The annular seat member 65 also includes one or morethreaded boreholes for receiving set screws for securing the position ofthe carrier member 60 relative to a turret cap seat 23, which is part ofa “second jacking screw assembly” also including the second jackingscrew 35, the second jacking screw sleeve 37, the retaining ring 39 andthe turret cap seat retaining ring 25.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 , the turret assembly 10 includes locatingpins 15, 16 17, 18 and 19. Suitably, locating pins 17, 18 and 19 areoperationally configured to maintain the carrier member 60 in a desiredposition or “zero position” in relation to the main body 40. Locatingpins 15 and 16 are positioned between part of the turret cap seat 23 andthe second jacking screw 35 as a rigid interconnect for rotationallyfixing the turret cap seat 23 to the turret cap seat retaining ring 25whereby neither part turns independent of the other. Locating pins 17and 18 are positioned between part of the second jacking screw sleeve 37and the annular seat member 65 rigidly rotationally fixing the secondjacking screw sleeve 37 to the annular seat member 65 so that neitherpart turns independent of the other.

The locating pins 17, 18 and 19 also mechanically align variousrotatable component parts of the turret assembly 10 ensuring properalignment of the parts during turret assembly 10 assemblage andoperation. As shown in FIG. 3 , the main seat member 45 may include avisual rotation and revolution indicator 96 for properly aligning theturret assembly 10, which can be used in conjunction with a rotationindicator 32 on the main body 40. As such, locating pin 19 locates forproper alignment of the main seat 45 to the main body 40 according tothe center or a center line of the rotation indicator 32. Locating pin17 locates for proper alignment of the second jacking screw 37 to themain seat 45 and locating pin 18 locates for proper alignment of theannular seat member 65 to the second jacking screw 37, the annular seatmember 65 holding the key pin 76 therein. As such, proper alignmentaccording to the locating pins 17, 18 and 19 provides for alignment ofthe locking lever 70 with the rotation and revolution indicator 96 andthe rotation indicator 32 as shown in FIG. 3 .

With particular attention to FIG. 2 , the turret cap 20 may also bereferred to as a “turret cap assembly” or “cap assembly” with a closedcover 21 and a cylindrical sidewall 22 extending out from the perimeterof the cover 21 enveloping or otherwise covering all or a majority ofthe components of the turret assembly 10 during operation. The sidewall22 includes one or more threaded apertures 24 radially disposed therethrough for receiving threaded fasteners 27 (or “turret cap set screws27”) therein in a manner effective to fix the turret cap 20 to theturret cap seat 23 to promote rotation of the first and second jackingscrews 30 and 35 when turning the turret cap 20.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the inner surface 26 of the cover 21 of the turretcap 20 includes a radially disposed slot 28 defined by opposingsidewalls 29 including, but not necessarily limited to planar sidewallsfor receiving a radially disposed unlocking button 75 (or “push button75”) therein. As shown, the unlocking button 75 includes a radiallydisposed protuberance (hereafter “unlocking button pin 77” or “turretunlock button pin 77” or “button pin 77”) received with the slot 28. Inone embodiment, the unlocking button 75 and button pin 77 may beprovided as a one-piece member. In another embodiment, the unlockingbutton 75 and button pin 77 may be provided as an assembly. As depictedin FIG. 4 , the unlocking button 75 and button pin 77 may be directedradially inward and outward along slot 28 according to DirectionalArrows B and C, which are directionally perpendicular to rotational axis5. In this embodiment, a first part of the unlocking button 75 islocated external the sidewall 22 of the turret cap 20 providing acontact surface for a user of the turret assembly 10, e.g., a surface tobe contacted by a person's fingers and/or a hand held tool, whereby auser can apply an inward force to the unlocking button 75 to direct theunlocking button 75 radially inward (see Directional Arrow B). In oneembodiment, the unlocking button 75 and button pin 77 may be consideredas part of the cap assembly.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8 , in one suitable embodiment the cover 21 ofthe turret cap 20 may include one or more cavities 80 housing one ormore biasing members 81 therein operationally configured to bias theunlocking button 75 and button pin 77 outward according to DirectionalArrow C as shown in FIG. 4 . In other words, the unlocking button 75 maybe considered as being “spring loaded” as such term is understood by theskilled artisan. Accordingly, an inward force applied to the unlockingbutton 75 must be greater than the biasing force of the one or morebiasing members 81 in order to move the unlocking button 75 and buttonpin 77 inward according to Directional Arrow B.

Herein, the locking lever 70, the locking lever plunger 72, the biasingmember 73, the unlocking button 75, the button pin 77, the slot 28 andits opposing sidewalls 29 and the inner surface 26 of the cover 21 ofthe turret cap 20 may collectively be referred to as a “locking system”of the turret assembly 10. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 , at a firstposition (or “locked position”) of the turret assembly 10, the unlockingbutton 75 and button pin 77 are biased outward to a first position or“resting position” of the unlocking button 75 and button pin 77. In thisembodiment, the shape of the locking lever 70, e.g., the narrowed necksection 79, provides clearance for a distal end of the button pin 77 asshown allowing the head section 74 of the locking lever 70 to be biasedor urged by the locking lever plunger 72 toward the inner surface 26 ofthe cover 21 of the turret cap 20 (see Directional Arrow A) whereby thehead section 74 or at least part of the head section 74 is positionedwithin the slot 28 between opposing sidewalls 29. The position of thehead section 74 within the slot 28 prevents rotation of the turret cap20 about rotational axis 5 as the head section 74 acts as a surface stopagainst the sidewalls 29 of slot 28. In particular, the opposingsidewalls 78 of the locking lever 70 include one or more engagementsurfaces for contacting one or more engagement surfaces of the sidewalls29 of the slot 28. In one embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 78 of thelocking lever 70 may include planar engagement surfaces for engagingplanar sidewalls 29 of the slot 28. The shape of the head section 74including opposing sidewalls suitably provides an increased surface areaas an engagement surface for contacting the sidewalls of slot 28 andpreventing manual turning of the turret cap 20.

At a second position (or “unlocked position”) of the turret assembly 10as depicted in FIG. 9 , the unlocking button 75 and button pin 77 aredirected inward (see Directional Arrow B) wherein the button pin 77 actson the locking lever 70, which simultaneously acts on the locking leverplunger 72. In particular, inward travel of the button pin 77 pivots thehead section 74 out from between sidewalls 29 of slot 28 away from theinner surface 26 of the cover 21 of the turret cap 20, which in turndirects the locking lever plunger 72 in a direction opposite ofDirectional Arrow A providing clearance between the head section 74 andthe inner surface 26 of the cover 21. When the turret cap 20 is turned,the button pin 77 disengages the locking lever 70 and the head section74 of the locking lever 70 is biased toward the inner surface 26 of thecover 21 via the locking lever plunger 72 and biasing member 73.

The turret assembly 10 further includes an annular main shaft member 50(or “main shaft 50”) fixedly engaged with the main seat 45 and main seatretaining ring 47. As seen in FIG. 10 , the main shaft 50 has a circulardisc type section 51 and a raised cylindrical section 52. As discussedbelow, the main shaft 50 includes an opening along rotational axis 5defined by an inner surface 59 for receiving the first jacking screw 30in a mated position therein and the cylindrical section 52 includes anouter surface 58 mated with an inner surface 36 of the second jackingscrew 35. The first jacking screw 30 and second jacking screw 35 arecoupled (or keyed) together via one or more key members 54 insertedthrough the cylindrical section 52 providing a key joint assembly. Assuch, the first jacking screw 30 and second jacking screw 35 have aone-to-one rotational relationship.

In detail, the cylindrical section 52 includes one or more apertures 53or keyseats 53, each keyseat 53 receiving a corresponding key member 54there through (see FIGS. 10 and 12 ) in a manner effective to couple thefirst jacking screw 30 with the second jacking screw 35. As shown inFIG. 11 , one suitable first jacking screw 30 includes a non-threadedsection 33 with two opposing slots 34 (hereafter “keyways 34”) disposedlengthwise along the non-threaded section 33 for receiving a key member54 therein. In particular, when the first jacking screw 30 is set to amated position within the main shaft 50, the keyways 34 are aligned withtwo opposing keyseats 53 enabling key members 54 to be press fit throughthe keyseats 53 into the keyways 34 for rotatably fixing the firstjacking screw 30 to the main shaft 50. As shown in FIG. 12 , each keymember 54 is set in a keyseat 53 with an inner portion of the keymembers 54 extending inward to engage the keyways 34 and an outerportion of the key members 54 extending outward from the outer surface58 of the cylindrical section 52 for mating with the second jackingscrew 35.

Turning to FIG. 13 , the second jacking screw 35 includes an openingalong rotational axis 5 defined by an inner surface 36 for receiving thecylindrical section 52 of the main shaft 50 therein. As shown, the innersurface 36 includes an annular abutment surface 84 for a distal end 56of the cylindrical section 52. The inner surface 36 further includes keyslots 85 for receiving the outer portion of the key members 54 therein.The second jacking screw 35 of this embodiment has a total of six keyslots 85 disposed equally apart about the inner surface 36. However, inanother embodiment the second jacking screw 35 may include a minimumnumber of key slots 85 effective for mating with a particular totalnumber of key members 54 included as part of the turret assembly 10.Suitably, the inner diameter of the inner surface 36 of the secondjacking screw 35 is substantially similar as the outer diameter of theouter surface 58 of the cylindrical section 52 of the main shaft 50 andthe outer diameter of the non-threaded section 33 of the first jackingscrew 30 is substantially similar as the inner diameter of the innersurface 59 of the cylindrical section 52 providing a machine fit therebetween. With reference to FIG. 10 , in one embodiment each key member54 may include a perimeter mating surface for mating with correspondingkeyseats 53, keyways 34 and key slots 85, the perimeter mating surfaceincluding opposing planar engagement surfaces 97 and opposing curvedengagement surfaces 99—see planar surface 91 in FIG. 11 and planarsurface 93 in FIG. 13 . In another embodiment, the size and shape of thekey members 54, keyseats 53 and keyways 34 may vary.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the turret assembly 10 further includes aclick ring 55 press fit, glued or threaded into the main seat 45. Acorresponding plunger or “click pin 57” is located in a radial borehole87 of the disc type section 51 of the main shaft 50 along with one ormore biasing members 88 operationally configured to bias the click pin57 radially outward to an abutment position with the click ring 55. Theinner surface of the click ring 55 suitably includes a plurality ofridges and grooves 90 (see FIG. 14 ) and the distal end 92 of the clickpin 57 may include a tapered surface, e.g., wedge shaped, promotinglinear movement of the click pin 57 back and forth as the distal end 92rides over the ridges and grooves 90 of the click ring 55. The clickring 55 and click pin 57 together provide audible and tactile clicks asthe turret assembly 10 is turned. At a resting position, the distal end92 is biased between adjacent ridges in a particular groove (see FIGS.15-16 ). Without limiting the disclosure to a particular number ofclicks per rotation, in one suitable embodiment the click ring 55includes a number of ridges and grooves 90 providing one hundred clicksper rotation of the turret assembly 10 360.0 degrees.

Another feature of the turret assembly 10 includes variation in threadpitch between the first jacking screw 30 defined by a first thread pitchand the second jacking screw 35 defined by a second thread pitch. Inother words, the first jacking screw 30 moves linearly in eitherdirection along rotational axis 5 when rotated (hereafter referred to asan “up-and-down” direction) at a different rate than the second jackingscrew 35. In one embodiment, metric thread sizes may be employed, i.e.,the distance between crests of adjacent threads. In another embodiment,inch thread sizes may be employed, i.e., the number of threads per inch.

The thread pitch of the first jacking screw 30 is determined by thefocal length of the corresponding optical platform, i.e., the clickvalue and clicks per rotation. The thread pitch of the second jackingscrew 35 is a set value. The second jacking screw 35 may vary in overallsize, but the thread pitch of the second jacking screw 35 is a constantset value. For purposes of discussion, the disclosure will be discussedin terms of a second jacking screw 35 with a thread pitch of 1.0 mm. Asa result, the second jacking screw 35, as well as the whole turnassembly 10, raises and lowers 1.0 mm per rotation of the turret cap 20.Because the thread pitch of the second jacking screw 35 is a set value,the turret assembly 10 may be used across different optical platformsregardless of the thread pitch of the first jacking screw 30. Herein,such feature may be referred to as “thread pitch dissimilarity” of theadjustable assembly.

As shown in FIG. 17 , overall travel of the turret assembly 10 islimited by two dimensions D1 and D2, which may vary from one opticalplatform to the next. Suitably, travel of the first jacking screw 30 andthe second jacking screw 35 end at the same moment during operation. Forexample, in an embodiment where the first jacking screw 30 has a threadpitch of 2.0 mm, the second jacking screw 35 has a thread pitch of 1.0mm and the overall travel of the turret assembly 10 is 5.0 mm, the firstjacking screw 30 can rotate 2.5 rotations, meaning that the overalltravel of the second jacking screw 35 is limited to 2.5 mm up-and-down.

Another novel feature of the turret assembly 10 involves the manner inwhich the turret assembly 10 is reset to optical zero according to theturret cap 20 (also referred to herein as “re-zeroing” of the turretassembly 10). With attention to FIG. 18 , the turret assembly 10 issuitably set at a middle travel position of the first jacking screw 30and second jacking screw 35, i.e., optical zero of the turret assembly10. As shown, at a middle travel position of the first jacking screw 30and second jacking screw 35 the carrier member 60 is set at its lowestposition relative the main body 40. In one embodiment of re-zeroing, theunlocking button 75 and button pin 77 may be radially aligned with thelocking lever 70. However, re-zeroing may be accomplished with theunlocking button 75 and button pin 77 being located at any positionalong its 360.0 degree rotation.

With the turret cap 20 set at a desired position in its 360.0 degreerotation, the turret cap set screws 27 can be loosened in order toremove the turret cap 20 from the remaining turret assembly 10.Referring to FIGS. 19-22 , once the turret cap 20 is removed thethreaded set screws 69 for securing the position of the locking leverassembly can be loosened allowing the carrier member 60 to be directedtoward an abutment position with the turret cap seat 23 (see DirectionalArrow D). Based on the orientation of slot 64 and the mating position ofthe key pin 76 between opposing sidewalls defining the slot 64, thecarrier member 60 is limited to linear movement up-and-down (seeDirectional Arrow E). As stated above, the locating pins 17, 18, 19 arecooperatively operationally configured to maintain the carrier member 60in a zero position in relation to the main body 40. As such, once thecarrier member 60 is set at an abutment position with the turret capseat 23, the turret cap 20 may be reinstalled to an operating positionby setting the locking lever 70 at a locked position within slot 28thereby setting the zero (0) mark 95 of the rotational position markingson the turret cap 20 according to the rotation and revolution indicator96 on the main seat member 45 and the rotation indicator 32 on the mainbody 40—see the location of the unlocking button 75 directly above andin-line with the zero (0) mark 95 in FIG. 23 . As understood by theskilled artisan, the zero (0) mark suitably corresponds to a specificpoint of aim configuration of a riflescope 500.

Once the turret cap 20 is set as shown in FIG. 23 , the turret cap setscrews 27 may be tightened to secure the turret cap 20 to the turret capseat 23 readying the turret assembly for operation. To unlock the turretassembly 10, a user can apply an inward force to the unlocking button 75(see Directional Arrow B) directing the locking lever 70 to a clearanceposition out of the slot 28 of turret cap 20 as discussed in referenceto FIG. 9 above. As the turret cap 20 begins to turn, the slot 28 is nolonger aligned with the locking lever 70 whereby the locking lever 70may be biased against the inner surface 26 of the cover 21 of the turretcap 20, i.e., the locking lever 70 rides against the inner surface 26,until redirected to its locked position within slot 28. Suitably, thelocking lever 70 engages the slot 28 by less than the thread pitch ofthe second jacking screw 35, meaning that the locking lever 70 onlyengages the slot 28 at the correct zero position—not at any other upwardrotation of the turret cap 20.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 24 and 25 , the inner surface 26 of the cover 21of the turret cap 20 may also include a secondary stop 98 extending outfrom the inner surface 26 a distance effective to engage a stop typesurface of the locking lever assembly. For example, a user may want todial the turret assembly 10 clockwise a few clicks past the zero (0)mark 95, e.g., in case of an unexpected point of impact shift. Whereasknown turret knobs are susceptible to binding, i.e., tightening of itsthreaded connections when being turned clockwise past zero (0), thesecondary stop 98 of the present turret assembly 10 is advantageous inthat it acts as a safety feature in the event a user turns the turretcap 20 clockwise past zero (0). In particular, the secondary stop 98 isoperationally configured to engage a sidewall 83 of the ledge section 68of the carrier member 60 (see FIG. 3 ) providing a hard stop for theturret assembly 10. The location of the secondary stop 98 along theinner surface 26 may vary as desired. In the embodiment as shown in FIG.25 , the location of the secondary stop 98 is operationally configuredto allow travel clockwise past zero (0) a total of four (4) clicks (seeDirectional Arrow F).

A turret assembly 10 of this disclosure may be constructed from one ormore materials durable for one or more operations and/or as may berequired by law or regulation. Suitable materials of construction mayinclude, but are not necessarily limited to those materials resistant tochipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result ofozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemicalinfluences, as well as physical impacts. In particular, a turretassembly 10 of this application may be constructed from materialsincluding, but not necessarily limited to metals, plastics, rubbers,woods, filled composite materials, and combinations thereof. Suitablemetals include, but are not necessarily limited to stainless steel,hardened steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, andcombinations thereof. Metals such as titanium are contemplated but maynot be feasible based on material cost. Suitable plastics include, butare not necessarily limited to glass-filled polymers, durable plasticcomposite materials, and combinations thereof. One suitable glass-filledpolymer includes, but is not necessarily limited to glass-filled nylon.

In one particular embodiment of the turret assembly 10, the variouscomponent parts of the turret assembly 10 may be machined from solidaluminum and/or steel. In another embodiment, one or more components maybe made of plastic or other low-friction material. As appreciated by theskilled artisan, the turret assembly 10 and/or riflescope 500 may beprovided in one or more colors including, but not limited to the colorblack with non-black rotational position markings. One suitable colorfor rotational position markings such as the zero (0) mark 95, thevisual rotation and revolution indicator 96 and the rotation indicator32 includes the color white, although it is contemplated that one ormore other colors or color combinations may be employed.

In another embodiment of the turret assembly 10, it is contemplated thatthe locking lever 70 may be pivotally attached to the turret cap 20. Inthis embodiment, the locking lever 70 may be biased toward the carriermember 60 wherein the locking lever 70 is operationally configured toengage the carrier member 60 in a manner effective to provide a lockedposition of the turret assembly 10.

Although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features and functionality described in one or more of theindividual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead mightbe applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more otherembodiments whether or not such embodiments are described and whether ornot such features are presented as being a part of a describedembodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that manymodifications may be made to the present application without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The embodiment(s) describedherein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken aslimiting the disclosure, which is defined in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A turret assembly for an optical aiming device including: anadjustable assembly including a cap assembly with a radially disposedslot including opposing sidewalls; and a locking lever assemblyincluding a pivotal locking lever operationally configured to engage theopposing sidewalls of the slot providing a locked position of the turretassembly; wherein the cap assembly includes a push button operationallyconfigured to direct the pivotal locking lever to a disengaged positionproviding an unlocked position of the turret assembly.
 2. The turretassembly of claim 1 wherein the adjustable assembly includes a firstthreaded member having a first thread pitch and a second threaded memberhaving a second thread pitch different than the first thread pitch. 3.The turret assembly of claim 2 further including one or more key membersfor coupling the first threaded member and the second threaded member ina one-to-one rotational relationship.
 4. The turret assembly of claim 1wherein the adjustable assembly defines a rotational axis of the turretassembly and wherein the adjustable assembly includes a first threadedmember rotatable about the rotational axis and a second threaded memberrotatable about the rotational axis, wherein the first threaded memberand the second threaded member may be directed along the rotational axisin either direction at different rates.
 5. The turret assembly of claim1 wherein the locking lever assembly comprises a locking lever carriermember, wherein the locking lever is pivotally attached to the lockinglever carrier member.
 6. The turret assembly of claim 5 wherein thelocking lever carrier member includes a slot and wherein the lockinglever is radially disposed within the slot.
 7. The turret assembly ofclaim 5 wherein the locking lever assembly includes a plungeroperationally configured to bias the locking lever to the lockedposition of the turret assembly.
 8. A turret assembly for an opticalaiming device including: an adjustable assembly including a cap assemblywith a radially disposed slot including opposing sidewalls; and alocking lever assembly including a pivotal locking lever operationallyconfigured to engage the opposing sidewalls of the slot providing alocked position of the turret assembly; and one or more key members;wherein the cap assembly includes a push button operationally configuredto direct the pivotal locking lever to a disengaged position providingan unlocked position of the turret assembly; wherein the adjustableassembly defines a rotational axis of the turret assembly; wherein theadjustable assembly includes a first threaded member rotatable about therotational axis and a second threaded member rotatable about therotational axis, the first threaded member having a first thread pitchand the second threaded member having a second thread pitch; wherein theone or more key members are operationally configured to couple the firstthreaded member and the second threaded member in a one-to-onerotational relationship; and wherein the one or more key members includeplanar surfaces and the first threaded member and the second threadedmember include keyways operationally configured to receive part of theone or more key members therein.
 9. The turret assembly of claim 8wherein the locking lever assembly is rotationally fixed about therotational axis.
 10. The turret assembly of claim 8 wherein the lockinglever assembly is operationally configured to be directed along therotational axis.
 11. The turret assembly of claim 8 wherein the lockedposition of the turret assembly defines a zero stop position of theturret assembly.
 12. The turret assembly of claim 8 wherein rotation ofthe adjustable assembly provides linear movement of the first threadedmember and the second threaded member.
 13. The turret assembly of claim8 wherein the cap assembly includes one or more engagement surfaces andthe pivotal locking lever includes one or more engagement surfaces forcontacting the one or more engagement surfaces of the cap assembly. 14.The turret assembly of claim 8 wherein the cap assembly includes one ormore planar surfaces and the pivotal locking lever includes one or moreplanar surfaces for engaging the one or more planar surfaces of the capassembly.
 15. A turret assembly for an optical aiming device including:an adjustable assembly including a cap assembly with a radially disposedslot including opposing sidewalls; and a locking system including abiased pivotal locking lever operationally configured to engage theopposing sidewalls of the slot of the cap assembly providing a lockedposition of the turret assembly; wherein the locking system includes apush button operationally configured to direct the biased pivotallocking lever apart from the cap assembly providing an unlocked positionof the turret assembly.
 16. The turret assembly of claim 15 wherein theadjustable assembly includes a first threaded member having a firstthread pitch and a second threaded member having a second thread pitchdifferent than the first thread pitch and wherein the turret assemblyincludes one or more key members for coupling the first threaded memberand the second threaded member in a one-to-one rotational relationship.